[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 132 (Friday, August 5, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E825-E826]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE CITY OF KEY WEST'S DESIGNATION AS A ``COAST GUARD 
                                 CITY''

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CARLOS A. GIMENEZ

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 5, 2022

  Mr. GIMENEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the City of Key 
West's designation as a Coast Guard City. This designation, made 
official on August 4, 2022, at Truman Waterfront Park, pays tribute to 
the city's longstanding, fruitful, and supportive relationship with the 
United States Coast Guard (USCG).
  Since 1998, this legal designation has recognized communities that 
welcome Coast Guard servicemembers and their families with open arms. 
These cities support their local USCG families in a variety of ways--by 
building monuments, hosting picnics and parades, sponsoring patriotic 
events and awards, establishing partnerships with the local business 
community, and much more. To achieve this designation, a municipality 
submits a request explaining its history of supporting the Coast Guard. 
Only after a rigorous examination by Coast Guard Headquarters, the 
Commandant, and the appropriate congressional committees is a city 
finally proclaimed a Coast Guard City.
  The history of the Coast Guard in Key West traces back to 1823, when 
the U.S. Navy Antipirate Squadron settled on the island. Congress 
established a depot for naval supplies in 1852. Nine years later, Key 
West became the headquarters of the East Gulf Blockage Squadron. Even 
before the Coast Guard was established in the early 20th century, Key 
West Headquarters performed the vital functions of collecting import 
tariffs, capturing pirates, interdicting smugglers, and rescuing those 
lost at sea.
  Today, the Coast Guard continues to serve the greater Key West 
community by patrolling the surrounding 55,000 square miles of water. 
In return, the City of Key West supports

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USCG personnel in many ways. Quality-of-life initiatives, discounts, 
and sponsorships enrich the lives of Coast Guard servicernembers and 
families. The city integrates both Active-Duty and retired personnel 
into the fabric of all aspects of the community--business, education, 
and leisure. Parades, battle reenactments, and festivals celebrating 
the Coast Guard's presence are a Key West staple.
  I am honored to celebrate this distinction for the City of Key West, 
and I also thank USCG Commandant Admiral Linda Fagan for her service to 
the Key West community. This designation reflects the deep, enduring 
relationship between the city and the U.S. Coast Guard. May that 
relationship continue to flourish for many decades to come.

                          ____________________